Preschool Teacher Assistant at Cadence Education in Pekin, IL

If you love working with young children and have experience in childcare, daycare, or early childhood education, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact while supporting a fun, engaging classroom environment.

Why Cadence Education?
Cadence Education is dedicated to creating bright futures for children, families, and educators. We offer a research‑based curriculum in warm, home‑like environments and foster a collaborative, supportive culture where team members can grow and thrive.

About the Role
Under the direction of the School Director and classroom leadership (Lead Teacher or Teacher), the Teacher Assistant supports daily classroom activities and the implementation of Cadence Education programs. This role helps maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports children’s physical, social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral needs, including those with IEPs, while ensuring safety and licensing compliance.

• Support a positive and respectful classroom environment, ensuring each child is treated with care, dignity, and respect.
• Greet children and families daily and help build professional, welcoming relationships.
• Assist in recognizing and responding to individual developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including following IEPs and behavioral support plans as directed.
• Support classroom staff with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and Cadence Signature Programs.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families, coworkers, and leadership using Cadence‑approved tools.
• Follow the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual, including documenting and reporting accidents and incidents according to policy.
• Assist with managing, documenting, and reporting escalated child behaviors in accordance with Cadence procedures.
• Adhere to all Cadence Education policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

What We’re Looking For 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to consistently follow safety procedures, including Name‑to‑Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle‑feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a classroom team.
• Ability to read, write, and speak effectively in English.

Education

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred, but not required if state licensing requirements are met.

Experience

• Must meet minimum experience and education requirements for the state of employment.
• Prior early childhood or classroom experience is preferred.

Credentials & Licensing

• Must meet all state licensing qualifications for a Teacher Assistant in a licensed childcare center.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
• CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are satisfied.

Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully)

• Flexibility is essential. Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.
• Work schedules may vary and are not guaranteed to be eight‑hour shifts.
• Daily start and end times may vary and cannot be guaranteed.